Alperen Sengun reacts to viral LeBron James video from Game 1 vs. Lakers

The Houston Rockets are hopeful for a bounce-back Game 2 performance after a very disappointing Game 1 against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. In particular, the Rockets need much more from All-Star center Alperen Sengun.

In a Game 1 that saw Kevin Durant sidelined due to a bruised right knee, Sengun finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. He also picked up five fouls and turned the ball over three times while shooting 6-of-19 from the field and 0-of-2 from three in 36 minutes of play.

Regardless of whether Durant plays, the Rockets will still need a better version of Alperen Sengun, who spoke with members of the media during Monday’s practice in Los Angeles.

One of the more light-hearted videos to come out of Game 1 was a pregame video appearing to show Sengun standing up as soon as LeBron James walked in his direction.

A lot of attention will be paid towards Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun with teammate Kevin Durant out for Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers (Knee). #Rockets #Sarge @TheRocketsWire pic.twitter.com/qxWZIVdA1x

— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) April 18, 2026

Sengun mentioned seeing the clip on social media and explained what really happened.

“I just saw that video today,” Sengun said, via the Athletic’s Will Guillory. “Everybody was sending it to me. It’s kind of funny. I was just trying to get something out of my pocket. That’s why I got up. No disrespect to LeBron. … but I didn’t stand up for him.”

In his fifth season in the NBA, the Turkish big man averaged 20.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 51.9 percent from the field.

The Rockets will be back in action on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 of the first round of their NBA Playoff series, with tipoff scheduled for about 7:30PM PST.

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